River Cruises - All Cruise Reviews

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Quite Enjoyable by donaldgrinder

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Hlin / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

I highly recommend this cruise line and this cruise in particular.

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disappointing. too many issues with special features and shore excursions as well as air travel issuses by GGy

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Octantis / Destination: River Cruises - United States

felt more like a shakedown cruise with problems getting into Thunderbay, skipped ports, lack of quality on shore activities at Duluth

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Detailed review of a great cruise by montylee

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Ra / Destination: River Cruises - Egypt/Africa

Viking 11 Night Pharaohs & Pyramids Viking Ra, 26 May – 7 June 2022 This river cruise along the Nile is amazing, with excursions visiting sites over 4000 years old. This is an area with tremendous history. While there may be other companies doing Nile River cruises, Viking is special in that they make a great effort to know every guest, and to accommodate their needs. There is nothing in this review about COVID because the policies are changing daily. Upon landing we were met by the Viking agent just outside the gate. He then whisked us through customs and immigration in a flash, and then to the driver who took us to the hotel. Our room was ready and we were able to relax after a long series of flights. That evening Viking Tour Directors (and other staff) met with us to give us guidance on the coming days. It should be noted that Viking re-arranged the schedule considerably from what My Viking Journey had prior to the trip (once on the trip, you can no longer access the site). In part it had to do with some late arrivals in the group. But the re-arrangement continued over the next several days, even aboard the ship. Unfortunately both the app and the TV display of the journey failed to show any of the changes or provide any information. In short you are dependent on the evening brief and the Viking Daily to know what is going on. This is one area that Viking needs to improve. The app is essentially worthless (as is the TV display) if it can’t be updated with current information. The next days are spent in Cairo and proceeding to the area sites, including the Sphinx, Giza and the pyramids, and museums. This alone was worth the journey because of all the history. The local Tour Director (TD) said that much is changing by the end of the year when the brand new museum opens by the Giza Pyramid. It may not be possible after that to crawl on the pyramid or to touch some of the artifacts, so I’m glad I got a chance to do this. The TD is essential to this visit, not only because of fluency in Arabic, but also because our guide new the history beyond all expectations. Some of the information was so detailed that you just can’t retain it all, even if you’ve read guide books. To coin a phrase, it was mind blowing. The only negative is that there was so much information that it left little free time to visit the site you were at. More free time is needed. Viking also provides a security guard with the groups. While a silent participant, you always could see him protecting the group from pushy vendors or anyone trying to impede the group. We felt very secure everywhere we went. On the last day in Cairo, you then go to the airport to board a one-hour flight to Luxor. It is there that you board the ship. From the moment you step on, Viking staff are there to great you and get to know you. Check-in to the room was flawless. The rooms (all suites) were the best of any cruise, ocean and river, that I’ve taken. Lots of space, comfortable living room, and wonderful bathroom. Over the next week, the staff was superb in taking care of everyone. Rooms were serviced several times a day, meals were outstanding, and the briefings very relevant and informative. In fact, the restaurant staff learned the guest desires/preferences and were ready before we even entered. For example, I like a large glass of orange juice and my wife coffee for breakfast. These were at our places the moment we entered. Each day as the ship docks in a port the buses were there to take us to the exhibits we were to see, including local markets. I probably should say it isn’t always buses. This is the fun part! Sometimes it would be a motor boat, a sail boat, or a horse carriage. What a wonderful experience. Each site had significance for Egypt and its ancient history. The Viking overview lists the various sites so I’ll not detail it here except to say everyone was amazing, from the Valley of the Kings/ Valley of the Queens to the UNESCO restored temples. It seems that Egypt is doing a lot to excavate and restore and protect these important artifacts and sites, which is great. So much was lost to tomb raiders and conquering nations that the effort by Egypt now is important for future travelers. One unexpected excursion that can NOT be booked online but only at the ship is the balloon ride. Based upon social media recommendations, we signed up. Boy was that an adventure. To see 40-50 boats all rushing for the same dock (the only one it seems), unloading the visitors into 50 vans, then racing to get to the balloon site where 50 balloons are waiting was incredible (especially at 4 in the morning). The balloon trip cannot be adequately described because it was so spectacular. The sun rise was amazing, and to see the entire landscape, including the green around the Nile border the barren desert alongside the greenery was quite the contrast. On the final day on the ship, we headed to the airport to fly back to Cairo and check into a hotel. Ours was the Intercontinental which is part of a giant mall. The hotel was excellent, as was the final dinner that night. It was a feast. The next morning the TD met us (bright and early) to say goodbye. Viking transported us to the airport where the same agent met us and got us through entry security, check-in, and to the final security checkpoint. He probably saved us from a lot of delays and is essential to navigating all the intricacies at the airport. A couple of notes regarding the trip. First, lots of $1 bills were recommended by social media. That is partially true, but they need to be pristine. I guess Egyptian banks give the people a hard time trading in the currency, especially if the bills are worn or have any tear at all. We found that most vendors want to exchange the $1 bills they have for $5 or $10 (sometimes $20). We ran out fairly quickly of the higher denomination bills and would recommend you carry more of them as you can always get $1 bills. Second, Egypt is changing some of their policies. These are not clearly explained or not yet implemented. One is a fee for taking photographs. It is on most of the entry signs for the exhibits, but no price is listed and no one was charged. I was told it is a future plan. Also, some sites prohibit any zoom lens (except for cell phones, which is strange). Even the Giza Pyramid restricted me with my DSLR camera and zoom and it took a bit of arguing with the entry agent and our TD before a supervisor gave me the ok to go in with my camera. I have no idea what strategic significance the Giza Pyramid has that would restrict a standard zoom lens (not a super-telephoto lens at all). Finally, internet aboard the ship is intermittent (seems to be true among river cruises). The first day the system is overloaded with everyone coming on board. Subsequent days depend on where the ship is, interference they say from some docking areas, or ship movement. It’s ok for basic email and texting, but uploads/downloads may be questionable, as are video conferences you might want to do. Overall a wonderful cruise. Our Travel Agent booked us the last room (bottom level) and it was great. You don’t need a balcony when it is 115° F outside! Plus it was pretty cool watching the ducks and other wildlife float by on the river. She recommended a firm for the Egyptian Visa, but I found out that is for a more permanent, long-term visa (requires your passport for processing). You can get one online (ivisa.com) or even at the airport. It is a more restrictive visa in that it is for a short period of time, but for a cruise works just fine. (No one in Cairo asked for the Egyptian Visa at any time, so not sure what the requirement is for.) If you are interested in the last of the ancient 7 wonders of the world, this is the cruise for you. Viking is even introducing a third, new ship in 2023 as demand is picking up. The experience will be one you will never forget.

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Awesome, but nerve racing (covid testing) by snkhawes

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Magni / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Was a great vacation, although long since we did extensions in Amsterdam and Praque. Would have been more enjoyable if we hadn't had to be tested almost every day, but now that I am back I hear they have stopped that, which is very good.

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From flowers to history by dianaprizeman

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Fjorgyn / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Loved Giverny, felt submerged in Monet's paintings. The commonwealth Normandy cemetery was emotional. Would have enjoyed seeing a field of lavender in Provence... All in all a most enjoyable, interesting River Cruise with great food, nice people and many new experiences.

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Wonderful Rhine River Cruise by jshannonr

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Egdir / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Cruise was great. Viking had best food and staff of any crew we have been on.

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Great included excursions with a few glitches by gailheimes

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Octantis / Destination: River Cruises - United States

Most expensive per diem cruise we’ve taken as a portion of the fare helps fund their research into ocean cleanliness in Antarctica and the Great Lakes health. They partner with NOAA on various projects.

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A very special fairytale Rhine river cruise! by lorybgreen

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Sigyn / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

After a long research on river cruising, we booked in October of 2021 and our sail date was May 10, 2022 on the Viking Sigyn. To our surprise, the total amount was due 6 months prior to sailing. We decided it was time for us to take the plunge and continue our traveling adventures despite Covid still impacting the world. We could not be happier with our choice as it proved to be one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. Viking selected our flights from Orlando, Florida to Basel then returned from Amsterdam. This was also a great experience as I was researching flights and found that they had the best prices. It added a leg to the journey but we were so excited to start the trip that it did not seem to really matter to us. We chose to do our own 3 days pre and post cruise and paid the extra $ 100 per fare to schedule our flights to accommodate the trip. This was an exceptional time of the year to travel as Spring was in full force. Once we boarded, our check in process was incredibly simple as we were early. The room was ready and our luggage was delivered quickly. Then we took a taxi to the Basel Art Museum and enjoyed this beautiful city on our own. Once we boarded the ship again, we began the muster process and listened intently on what to expect at the ports and the cruise in total. Viking had every step so clearly thought out and planned! Once we began to sail it was dinner time. The staff was SO intent on learning everyone's names and what preferences they have. I was amazed at how each time I saw them, they greeted me by first name and had a cold ice tea with a fresh lemon ready for me! It was a great touch by Viking! The food was freshly prepared and absolutely wonderful! Our server encouraged us to try the region specialty nightly and brought our a dish so we could all share. It was a great experience and we loved every moment of the restaurant and terrace staff! We never went hungry or thirsty! The tours were so thoughtfully planned out and truthful about the demands of the guests for walking. One tour had a 3 hour bus ride which prompted us to pay for an additional excursion, however, we had the BEST time! Many tours are demanding on your legs for walking. We were clocking in at over 17K steps in a day and we were pretty sore, however, we refused to miss a thing so we kept walking! They do have a leisure option that I would recommend for anyone struggling with long walks. Please keep this in mind! I am now addressing the "white elephant" in the room, COVID. For the first 3 days, we had test tubes brought to our rooms for saliva samples that we were to fill and bring to the front desk by 8am. (I did forget to mention, they did have a quick Covid test once your boarded the first day. ) We learned that a few people did test positive for COVID and were escorted to a hotel in Germany. This prompted an additional day of testing for us all. The ship is kept immaculate by the way! I must also say that I learned that if you test positive, they will not re-test you to confirm a false positive. This did not in anyway hamper our trip. We felt very comfortable traveling! It's hard to just pick one tour over the other but Strasburg was AWESOME! I just loved this incredibly sweet and quain town! The Marksburg Castle was exceptional as well. The beauty of the Rhine tour was so vivid in colors and just sheer beauty. I cant seem to stop smiling when I am talking about the trip to friends. My recommendation is to see everything you can! MOST IMPORTANT fun fact for you: Sunday's are what I like to call "Chick Fil-A Day", all the shops are closed except for a few souvenir stores. The disembarkation was as easy as check in! It is handled by time of departure. Wow what a great process. We spent the post 3 days in Amsterdam and absolutely fell in love with this city! Once we completed the trip, we were off on our schedule flight with the memories of an absolute exceptional fairytale of a trip.

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Fantastic Experience on First River Cruise by spfauspfau

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Avalon Envision / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Absolutely wonderful experience. We will river cruise again.

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Excellent in every way. by bevconrod1

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: River Queen / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

An excellent experience, lots of activity choices, delicious food and great staff

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Unforegettble experience by sheelendrak

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

I had a great time. The entire experience was wonderful. Very pleased with the staff of the Uniworld. The onboard entertainment and excursions were excellent. Everyday was filled gourmet food and special drinks. We visited four countries giving us a good exposure to central European culture and landscape. Budapest and Vienna were highlights of the cruise. Enjoyed art and music in both cities.

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Incredible Adventure by jww17013

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: AmaLucia / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Our Amawaterways cruise was an incredible adventure. It was worth experiencing a river cruise versus an ocean cruise.

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Great River cruise by Cruiser38664423

Sail date: / Traveled as: Large Group
Ship: Avalon Poetry II / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

We love River cruising and especially love Avalon Waterways. We know what to expect on the ships and are never disappointed.

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Be prepared to be pampered by Cruiser40808582

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: American Queen / Destination: River Cruises - United States

Except for the few things I mentioned , it was an excellent experience

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Wonderful Tulips and Windmills by Cruiser75014731

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Gefjon / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Tulips and Windmills was all that we hoped. The towns and sights were lovely, the guides were knowledgeable, the history and water management were interesting, the waffles and chocolate were delicious and Viking's ship and staff were excellent. We had a wonderful trip and made some new friends.

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Our First Viking River Cruise (But NOT the Last) by dwljr

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Mimir / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

This was our first river cruise, and our first Viking cruise. We loved every minute, and can't wait to come back.

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Romantic Danube Cruise by Cruiser53326257

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: AmaLea / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Fantastic experience with superb dining, an amazing attentive crew, on board entertainment, a variety of tours offered at each port. Never a dull moment on board this luxury floating five star hotel!

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Poor Value Cruise by bbrodowy

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: American Duchess / Destination: River Cruises - United States

Overall - one of the more expensive cruises we have taken - and frankly - one of the poorest value for the dollar. We have been on 20+ cruises. Not a fan of the cruise line - poor service and food selection. Will not be a return patron.

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Relaxing Rhine adventure by Cruiser30871431

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Viking Mani / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

Absolutely breathtaking, perfect cruise for a honeymoon

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Very scenic cruise by lkusinitz

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (older children)
Ship: AmaSonata / Destination: River Cruises - Europe

This cruise gave me a chance to see all the places I was interested in. Since the port nearest to Salzburg is so far away, I would recommend a 2nd night there to get the full experience of that area.

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